What happen to our adventure spirit?

Grab your bear can or camp chair, kick your feet up and chew the fat about anything Sierra Nevada related that doesn't quite fit in any of the other forums. Within reason, (and the HST rules and guidelines) this is also an anything goes forum. Tell stories, discuss wilderness issues, music, or whatever else the High Sierra stirs up in your mind.
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Jimr
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Re: What happen to our adventure spirit?

Post by Jimr »

To play a bit of devil's advocate, we do have many less experienced backpackers on this site. The intel given can help them become more confident as they grow their skills to a point where they don't have to ask the best way to get here or there or the best place to camp. We often advise that people hone their skills and not rely on technology, and insist on gaining an understanding of a person's experience before giving advice.

When you've done it for many seasons, you learn the way of the land. You know that proper planning prevents piss poor performance, but are not tied to every step you've planned. I plan a lot because it is part of the excitement, but when I'm out there, I go with the flow. It is because I've done it for many years, most of it without the benefit of the internet or advice from those who have been there, that I'm comfortable figuring out how I will get from one place to another based on the lay of the land.

I think the best that we can do is to educate those who ask what we see as silly and unadventurous questions so they may learn the "spirit of adventure" in a place they are currently unfamiliar with and lacking in the confidence of their skill set. In time, those who ask will hopefully understand through future experience that not getting to a planned destination is not the end of the world and that places to pitch your tent abound and that mosquitoes don't drink THAT much blood, however annoying.
If you don't know where you're going, then any path will get you there.
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maverick
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Re: What happen to our adventure spirit?

Post by maverick »

balzaccom wrote:
Amen, brother!
That's, Amen, sister! :nod:
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I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.

Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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Re: What happen to our adventure spirit?

Post by maverick »

Jim wrote:
To play a bit of devil's advocate
:littledevil:
Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer

I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.

Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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Re: What happen to our adventure spirit?

Post by maverick »

Warren wrote:
Just because people want information doesn't mean it is wise or desirable to provide it. There is such a thing as too much information and I think it is directly tied to the loss of a sense of adventure in the Sierra.
Many times we have people inquiring about where they should, or can camp along a particular route, in some cases, like Ionian Basin, being aware of the locations of some of these campsites can be helpful, since finding spots in Ionian is hard enough, and if it is your first time in the Basin, and you need to set-up quickly because of a thunderstorm, or injury, this knowledge can be helpful in those cases.
I definitely was not advocating that we put markers all along Bubb's Creek, the JMT, or any other trailed section.

And yes, I agree about this contributing to the loss of the adventure spirit, but at this moment, things are the way they are, and I do not see them changing anytime in the near future.

I guess the real question here is, how do we regain the spirit of adventure, or more importantly, those of use who do have it, pass it on to fellow backpackers, and the next generation.
Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer

I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.

Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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Re: What happen to our adventure spirit?

Post by AlmostThere »

Usually folks with less experience looking for reassurance will want the very specific information. Possibly also those with a legalistic bent - it was an eye opener to hike in Nevada, where they make California sound like a police state.

Newbies need grooming. Better us than the lousy "friends" who took two first timers on a thru in the Rubies and left them to exit at a remote trailhead to hopefully hitch back to their car.

Adventure with others is totally possible with the right people. Finding them is often as much torment as finding the right spouse, but it is worth it.

(Yes, I am a sister. [emoji108])
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Re: What happen to our adventure spirit?

Post by maverick »

Finding them is often as much torment as finding the right spouse
:lol: Torment or thrill.
Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer

I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.

Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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Re: What happen to our adventure spirit?

Post by balzaccom »

maverick wrote:balzaccom wrote:
Amen, brother!
That's, Amen, sister! :nod:
My apologies, And thanks for the correction.
Check our our website: http://www.backpackthesierra.com/
Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-R ... 0984884963
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Re: What happen to our adventure spirit?

Post by AlmostThere »

balzaccom wrote:
maverick wrote:balzaccom wrote:
Amen, brother!
That's, Amen, sister! :nod:
My apologies, And thanks for the correction.
no worries. It happens in real time, occasionally. (Accusations of my being dainty once busted up a room full of SAR guys....)


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Re: What happen to our adventure spirit?

Post by sparky »

The coolest spots and scenes I unexpectedly stumble upon are by far the best thing about a trip. Keeping expectations at a minimum, and to not be so attached to schedules is when you are truly as free as you can be :nod: Its like finding a hidden treasure.
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Re: What happen to our adventure spirit?

Post by Wandering Daisy »

I think you all are being too judgmental. Each person has his own threshold for "adventure". What may be boring for one, is a real adventure for another. Adventure is not a specific rating, risk, uncertainty or difficulty - it is what is in your mind/head. Some people even have "adventure" WITH planning and reduction of uncertainty. Personally I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, even though I have done over 40 years of alpine climbing. Real "epics" are sweeter in afterthought (memories) than when it is actually happening! I try to make the summit, safely, without "epics". I have done many first ascents over the years and backed off plenty of climbs and have had plenty of adventure- some that I sought, many that I would really have preferred to have avoided.

Some of my trips have been specifically for adventure and exploring; others I have a specific objective (such as getting to the meetup- which by the way, I missed everyone by a few hours). I appreciated the detailed route information that someone here put up for the "ledge" route to Keweah Basin. I knew I could make it 100%, even in rain. Given that I really wanted to get to the meetup, it was good to know this.

Although there is a lot of route information on the internet, you have to be very careful - lot of bad information; a bit of accurate good information. If you think there is too much information, just do not look at it and have your "adventure". Do not criticize others for using information. And do not think that they are not having and adventure just because they use information. By the way, I take all information with a grain of salt! Similarly, although I only use paper maps (no GPS, no SPOT), I certainly will not say that those who do are having less of an adventure than I am.

I challenge the idea that to risk reduction reduces the adventure. I bring a rain jacket, to reduce the risk of hypothermia. Would I have more of an "adventure" if I did not bring it? Suffer and live through it means more adventure? I research routes to reduce risk, such as knowing the possible route variations and "bail out" points.

If someone's primary goal is not adventure, fine with me. Hike your own hike. Let others do the same.
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